patterns

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how to distinguish patterns with infinitive if looking from the sentences

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Anonymous ~~how to~~ How do I distinguish patterns with infinitives ~~if looking from the sentences~~ in sentences?

Note above how to write your question.
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Full infinitives have "to" and the dictionary form of a verb.

to go, to say, to find, to want, to think, ...

Bare infinitives have only the dictionary form of a verb.

go, say, find, want, think, ...

Bare infinitives are used after modal verbs (will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, must).
Bare infinitives are used after forms of the auxiliary do (do, does, did).
Bare infinitives are used as the second verb in various catenative constructions.

These must be distinguished from the present tense of the verb, where only the dictionary form is also used.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Anonymouspatterns with the infinitive

Verb + object + to-infinitive: He told me to study hard.
Verb + to-infinitive: He wants to go now.
Verb + object + infinitive (without to): We saw him enter the building.
Noun + to-infinitive: He was a fool to do it.
Noun + (in order) to-infinitive: They bought a new car (in order) to impress their neighbours.
Adjective + to-infinitive: It was necessary to do.
Verb + Interrogative word + to infinitive: She asked how to do it.

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